Innovation in Schools Rewarded

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October 04, 2012

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Innovative ideas and approaches to learning have earned county education systems and schools some extra cash. On Thursday, the West Virginia Board of Education approved the list of Dropout Prevention Innovation Zones awards for the 2012-2013 school year. The recipients will share more than 1.8 million dollars.

Cabell County, Lincoln County, Pocahontas County, Upshur County Schools, McDowell County Schools, Nicholas County Schools, Doddridge County High School, Wheeling Park High School and Greenbrier West High School will receive grants for school improvement tools such as after-school and community outreach programs, behavioral initiatives, guidance counselors and standardized test preparation to combat dropout rates.

Each county or school has a Dropout Prevention Innovation Zone Plan tailored to its specific needs. For example, Cabell County will be expanding and strengthening the Education Matters initiative, which seeks to improve the county’s graduation rate. At Greenbrier West High School in Greenbrier County, the grant monies will support after-school programs with a large focus on the arts in schools. Pocahontas County will be promoting education throughout the community with an Innovation Community Education initiative which will offer learning opportunities at off campus locations such as local libraries.

“Innovation Zones are allowing our schools to adapt to changing times and embrace new ideas and new teaching strategies,” said state Superintendent of Schools Jorea Marple. “Giving our schools greater flexibility allows them to create learning facilities that reflect how children live and learn today and in the future.”